AboutSpencer Holcombe Expertise I have been in the telecommunications arena for several years. I've worked in traffic,installation,repair,customer service,fraud,national and major accounts. I Started with Pacific Telephone,went to American Bell, AT&T Information Systems, AT&T Communications, Pacific Bell-SBC - AT&T. I can answer most questions of a service or equipment nature-excluding cellular. From jacks, wiring, phones, to custom calling services, local to long distance.
Experience Bell System and post divesture work for AT&T and Local operating companies. Service rep-to Fraud desk.
Organizations Telephone Pioneers of America
Publications PTM mag. Connections, Update, and other company publications. Also have expert status at AskME.com
Expert: Spencer Holcombe Date: 9/26/2006 Subject: Old Phone system
Question My house was built in 1960. It has the old phone connection on the outside of the house where all the phones connect to one line. I would like to relocate that connection to reduce the amount of wiring visible. There is one wire coming from the telephone pole connected to 2 of the poles. There is a 3rd pole in the middle of those that has a wire coming from underneath the house. I think it comes from one of the phonelines in the house, maybe. Not sure because its underneath the house. I wont have any problem doing the relocate myself, I just would like to know if only the wires from the telephone pole need to be used or is the system grounded somehow by the other?
Thanks,
Answer Randy,
That third "wire" is most likley your ground, and It needs to be connected! (to protect your home from surges and lightning strikes hitting the telephone system)
Be advised, that although you probably have the skill, and knowledge to move your network interface, MOST telephone company connection devices (network blocks,network jacks, etc REMAIN telephone company property, and not only take a dim view of people tampering with them,-most will CHARGE the subscriber. Your ownership ends at the end of your lines at that interface. Call your telephone company for information on having your interface moved (and updated to a modern plug in type. Spencer
